NATURAL ASPIRIN...willow bark

Did You Know?

For over 2,000 years, willow bark has been used in Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties.

Willow bark comes from the branches of two- to three-year-old  black or white willow trees.

The main chemical that gives willow bark its therapeutic effects is salicin. When the body processes salicin, it turns it into salicylic acid, which then to aspirin. It is a popular natural pain reliever and fever reducer.

Willow bark can help treat lower back pain and possibly osteoarthritis (OA) pain. 

Why take willow bark instead of aspirin????

Aspirin can cause stomach irritation or damage, while willow bark taken in normal amounts does not. 

Willow bark contains tannins and flavonoids, which have  health benefits.

Tannins are chemicals found in  plant-based foods. They stop the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and also improve blood clotting, boost heart health , and lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Flavonoids  made by plants that give them their red, orange, and yellow colors. They also work as antioxidants, helping cells to repair and protect themselves from damage.

Willow bark also helps...

ALLEVIATES ACNE

REDUCES HEADACHES

SOOTHES MENSTRUAL CRAMPS

How to harvest willow bark for medicine

Strip the bark from the young branches of willow in the Spring just before the sap begins to run, when the branches are spring colored.  This is the easiest time to separate the bark from the branch.  You  start at the base of the cut edge and peel it upwards toward the tip. The bark will peel off in strips.  You can recognize the correct willows by their brightly colored bark — usually yellow, orange, or red.  Weeping willow trees and corkscrew willow are both varieties that can be used.

For tea

Allow to  willow strips to  fully dry at room temperature  before placing in a jar and storing in a cool, dry place.

To make a tincture

Fill a glass jar with fresh  strips  willow bark, from new growth.  Pack down  so  the jar is full of willow bark.  Cover the  bark with vodka and cover.  Place in a warm spot and shake once a day .   After a month, strain the liquid and put in a colored glass bottle, to protect the herb.  Cover tightly and store in a cool, dark place. away from sunlight.

Dosage....

1 tsp. of willow bark tincture three times daily,

Three to four cups of tea made by simmering 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried bark in 8 ounces of boiling water for 15 minutes. 

CAUTION: Consult your doctor about the correct dose of white willow bark or aspirin.If you are allergic to aspirin use extreme caution and consult your doctor before trying willow bark as an herbal remedy.Willow causes blood thinning so don’t use it before surgery or before giving birth.